MARGAO: Stating that the media is a central pillar of democracy, Adv Cleofato Almeida Coutinho said on Thursday that the media has a special role to play as a pioneer of consciousness.
Addressing media personnel at a function organised by Margao journalists on Lokmanya Tilak’s death anniversary at the Press Room, Margao, he emphasised the media’s vital role in fostering awareness and democratic engagement.
Stressing the topic ‘Challenges on Media by Social Media’, Adv Coutinho stated that the media is not just the fourth pillar but the central pillar of democracy.
He explained that the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches all operate based on public opinion, and judges, in particular, often consider public sentiment in their decisions.
“And hence the media has a special role, a role clearly recognised by Lokmanya Tilak and one that continues today. However, there are also challenges with the current state of the media,” he stated.
He said that today the media needs to undertake a period of stock-taking.
“Whole problem is that there is pride in journalism. That is where we have to stock-take. History will tell us journalists were giants at that time. I would say that Kesari and Maratha brought in diversity and broke the single narrative of that era,” said Adv Coutinho.
He said, “In present times, we encounter similar situations because where are the other narratives? At least give some credibility to people who have introduced new perspectives.”